Hyperkeratosis
Pronunciation: hy-per-ker-uh-TOH-sis
Abnormal thickening of the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) due to excess keratin production.
Full Definition
Hyperkeratosis describes a pathological increase in the thickness of the stratum corneum, visible histologically and sometimes clinically as rough, thickened, or scaly skin. It is a non-specific finding seen in conditions such as psoriasis, chronic eczema, calluses, and various genodermatoses. Editors will encounter the term in histopathology reports, where it may be qualified as orthokeratotic (normal keratin pattern) or parakeratotic (retained nuclei). It is not synonymous with hyperpigmentation, a common editorial mix-up. Accurate use of the suffix '-keratosis' versus '-keratotic' (adjective form) is a frequent copy-editing concern.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish 'hyperkeratosis' (noun, the condition) from 'hyperkeratotic' (adjective, describing a lesion). Parakeratosis is a related but distinct histological finding and should not be used interchangeably.
In Context
- "The biopsy report noted compact orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis overlying an acanthotic epidermis." — Histopathology report
- "Editors must not conflate hyperkeratosis (structural thickening) with hyperpigmentation (colour change) when proofreading dermatopathology summaries." — Editorial training material